‘It’s About The Future’: Parents On The School Strikes In England And Wales
On Wednesday, members of the National Education Union (NEU) will initiate industrial action, causing the closure or partial closure of schools in England and Wales for the first day of their planned seven-day strike. According to a poll by the Teacher Tapp app, approximately three out of every five schools in England could be affected by the strike.
The strike has left parents concerned about the potential impact on their children’s education. Five parents have shared how their families will be affected by the strike.
Matthew Rodriguez, 43, a social worker in London, shared that his children’s school had closed and his in-laws would be looking after them. He expressed respect for teachers, stating that they are some of the most caring and hardworking individuals, who have been underpaid, overworked, and exposed to the stress of the pandemic. Rodriguez called the government’s conduct towards teachers shameful.
Benny, 35, a cybersecurity apprentice in Newcastle, revealed that he would miss work to support the teachers. He cited teachers’ underpayment, lack of appreciation, and insufficient support and resources. He further claimed that private schools have enjoyed tax relief and cuts while maintenance of state schools has been inadequate.
Dr. Mine Conkbayir, 42, an early years author and consultant in London, said that her daughter would miss out on SAT preparation due to the strike. She added that her child needed extra support, which she was availing via a tutor hired for that purpose. Conkbayir, a former lecturer in further education, supported the teachers’ strike and declared that teachers had been working under less than fair conditions for far too long.
A single parent, who owns a business working six days a week, spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealing that the strike was their worst nightmare. They said that their son’s school had confirmed closure for the day, and they couldn’t afford to take the day off. The parent feared the long-term impact on their business’s customers.
"The school attended by my ten-year-old child is expected to remain open on Wednesday, however, we cannot be certain until the day arrives. As a widow, without any support for childcare, I am facing the challenge of balancing my work responsibilities with looking after my child. Although fortunate enough to work from home, I am contemplating taking an unplanned day off. This will not be an ideal situation as I am a part of a small team and one of my colleagues is also a lone parent with two young boys.
Nonetheless, I stand in full support of the teachers. It is not about inconvenience or my child being disappointed and bored for a brief period. It is about the future. It is about safeguarding the welfare of exceptional teaching personnel, ensuring their adequate remuneration, and acknowledging their worth. Schools play a crucial role in the community, covering the gaps created by underfunded services. If the teachers need to strike to convey their message, they should – unabashedly and unreservedly." Rebecca Strong, a 49-year-old journalist from Gosport.
